Blues know they must win trophies, says Gudjohnsen

EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN admitted that the Chelsea squad realise they are under pressure to bring trophies to Stamford Bridge following Roman Abramovich’s huge investment.

Claudio Ranieri has been attempting to reduce the pressure on his squad by insisting that this season is all about building for the future.

However, new chief executive Peter Kenyon warned last week that not winning a major trophy this season would be considered as a “failure.” And Gudjohnsen made it clear that Ranieri is not the only person at the club who realises that his future could be on the line if the Blues fall short of that target.

“We are Chelsea Football Club. Everyone is under pressure. Especially the way we are heading, there will always be pressure to win things. That is not only on the manager but on the squad.

“We are all fighting, all wanting to show that we want to be part of this changes and that we want to be part of the team,” Gudjohnsen said. “If Chelsea are heading this way, personally I would love to be part of it. But I do know that I am under pressure to show it every week.

“The new era started at the beginning of the season. Mr Kenyon coming in is part of that. You can see it in everything that is happening around the club. Things are there to help us become a big club.”

Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Charlton ensured they remained on the fringes of the title race, while they also face an FA Cup fifth round tie against Arsenal and a Champions League last 16 tie against Stuttgart.

“We are still in three competitions. In the Premier League, there is everything to play for as we still have to play the top two,” added Gudjohnsen.

Gudjohnsen had mixed fortunes against Charlton, having been selected on the bench despite an injury crisis but then coming on for the final 16 minutes to earn Sky Sports’ man-of-the-match award.

Meanwhile, French club Rennes have announced that Czech Republic international goalkeeper Petr Cech will join Chelsea at the end of the season for stg£7 million. The 21-year-old has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Cech, who has been first choice ‘keeper with Rennes since joining in 2002 from Sparta Prague will be first choice for his country in Euro 2004.

There has been speculation that Carlo Cudicini would like to return to Italy at the end of the season.